We all know that keeping our finger and toenails clipped is an essential part of personal hygiene. Well- maintained nails can prevent scratching, hangnails, bacteria buildup, and ingrown nails. Dog grooming and maintaining your pet’s nails is just as important, if not more so.

Why Should I Trim My Dog’s Nails?

Keeping your dog’s nails clean cut is critical to keeping them healthy and active. Trimming your pet’s nails helps to protect your furniture, floors, and door jams from sharp nail-induced destruction. If left unmaintained, a dog’s overgrown nails can also pose serious health risks. Severe pain, infection, improper weight distribution, poor posture, and even arthritis to name a few.

Can My Dog Really Get Arthritis From Having Long Nails?

Arthritis may seem like a far-fetched side effect of poor nail care for pets, but unfortunately it’s more common than dog owners realize. If you’ve ever worn a pair of shoes that were too small, you know that you had to alter the way you walked to help avoid pain.

Similarly, a when dog’s nails are too long, the nails make contact with the ground causing them to painfully push back into the nail bed. This discomfort causes your pup to alter their natural movement to ease the pain. Over time, this inaccurate movement alters your furry friend’s joint structure and may ultimately lead to arthritis.

How Often Do My Dog’s Nails Need Trimmed?

Knowing how often to cut back your fur baby’s nails depends on where you live, your dog’s breed, activity level, and current health conditions. If you live in an urban or suburban area and your dog gets a lot of exercise on pavement, they may only need occasional nail maintenance. The repetitive contact with the sidewalk should keep your pup’s nails filed reasonably well.

However, if your pooch is primarily indoors or mainly plays on soft grass surfaces, they’ll need a trim more regularly. A general rule of thumb is to trim your dog’s nails when you hear them clicking against the floor as they walk.

Do Certain Dog Breeds Need More Frequent Grooming Than Others?

Certain breeds may need to have their nails groomed more frequently than others. Like humans, dogs nails grow at different paces. Diet and lifestyle can play a big role in that growth rate.

Lower energy breeds such as basset hounds may need more regular nail maintenance than high energy terriers. Keep track of your pup’s lifestyle patterns and stay ahead of any health issues caused by long nails with a regular nail trimming schedule.

Local Dog Groomers in Boca Raton Offer Nail Trimming and Other Cleaning Services for Your Pet

Trimming your furry loved one’s nails can be nerve-wracking. You don’t have to go it alone. Our highly skilled dog groomers in Boca Raton groom to breed standards or your own personal preference. With extensive knowledge of the best way to cut a dog’s nails, we can help your pet live a healthier life. Call us today for dog grooming prices or to schedule an appointment at (561) 368-6767.